Go Back
+ servings
Print

Basic Bone Broth

There are two main benefits to making your own broth. The first is culinary; compared to even the highest-quality store-bought broth, a homemade one has more flavor. The second is price; buying it can be expensive, while making your own leverages leftovers you’d otherwise throw away. You can make bone broth on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker (the best way to go if you don’t want the smell of broth wafting through your house; you can purchase one with a vapor seal, which holds in aromas, or plug it in in a closed room or garage). Most important is that you use bones from healthy, organically or pasture-raised animals, which tend to have more mineral- and nutrient-dense bones and will make for a very healthful bone broth. Don’t be daunted by the long cooking time involved in making bone broth; you can make a big batch at one time and freeze much of it, making subsequent meals much easier and more delicious. You will want to prepare your broth unsalted to allow for more control if you use it later in other dishes. Regardless, all bone broths are delicious to drink when simply seasoned with a little garlic, fresh herbs, and a pinch of salt. They also form the basis of wonderful sauces, stews, soups, and the liquid for braising meats and vegetables. Once prepared, bone broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to six months.
Servings 20 cups
Calories 1 kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 pounds bones preferably with some meaty parts (see the bone chart below for options)
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • Optional additions: onion peels carrots, celery, garlic, ginger, turmeric, kombu, or dried mushrooms

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, combine the bones, vinegar, and any optional additions with 6 quarts of water and slowly bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Skim off any foam that rises to the top, reduce the heat to a low simmer, and cook for the amount of time indicated in the chart below, based on the type of broth you are making. When the cooking time is complete, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve.

Nutrition Facts
Basic Bone Broth
Amount Per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 1
% Daily Value*
Sodium 1mg0%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Sugar 1g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.